My Observations about NYC

It’s not as scary as I thought it would be.

Tall buildings are really cool.

NYC streets are filthy.

The subway system is easy to navigate and use. Must have unlimited Metro Pass. Well worth it.

I would not do NY without an iPhone. Hopstop program is essential. (But it’s not always accurate – but it’s more right than wrong.) A compass would have come in handy.

Some women wear very tight clothing (that shouldn’t be wearing it.)

Bras are optional.

Comfortable shoes are an absolute must. No exceptions. Girls that walk in high heels in this city are crazy.

Traffic lights, lanes, and signs that say “No Honking” are merely suggestions as are the “Don’t Walk” pedestrian lights.

It might be worth it to stay in a less crowded area that isn’t very noisy (but has no shopping and very few restaurants.)

There’s way too much to do in NY than can be done in just four days.

Ground Zero museum is well worth it. Very moving. Amazing pictures.

A Broadway Show is an absolute must and worth every penny.

Times square is very crowded and people that walk slow are annoying.

Smoking should be banned altogether in the city.

Don’t expect great service at restaurants. You’ll be lucky to see your server once after food is delivered. Forget refills if you only have water to drink. I only tipped about 16%. I’d tip the full 20% or more if I got better service at restaurants.

Food is way overpriced. Mexican food in NYC is laughable.

Airport shuttles are cheap – but you get what you pay for. It took three hours to get from Newark to our hotel. (But did have that real New York experience where a passenger and the driver got into an argument.)

It was worth the price to pay double for a private car service on the return trip to the airport. Car was waiting outside our hotel right on time and we got to the airport in 20 minutes.

There’s no guilt of overeating because you walk it all off.

Wish I would have gotten tickets to the Mostly Mozart festival. Live and Learn.

It’s hot in subway stations. Subway trains in Brooklyn are slower than in Manhattan.

New Yorkers get their sleep, listen to music and read on the subway. (And sometimes break dance.)

NYC is completely full of diversity. Numerous languages were spoken here.

There really are people that talk to themselves and act crazy on the streets.

The top of the Empire State Building isn’t as big as I thought it would be (or as it seems in the movie Sleepless in Seattle)

A long subway ride after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a great way to rejuvenate.

Grand Central Station has the thinnest toilet paper I’ve ever used.

It's not good to have a local bank card that gets a hold put on it during the weekend. (Even though they tried to call me, I never heard the phone because it is so loud there.) Thankfully I had enough cash until I could call them myself.